Ravenna kicked off their 2025 campaign with a resounding 3-0 victory over Lungobisenzio in Prato, keeping their pursuit of the top spot in Group D alive. The Byzantines dominated the first half, securing their win before the break. VenturiniS header in the 16th minute opened the scoring, followed by manuzzi’s headed goal in the 29th minute. Guida completed the rout with a third goal early in the second half (54th minute), sealing a hat-trick for himself. This win puts Ravenna in a strong position, trailing league leaders Forlì by a single point.Forlì currently sits atop Group D with 42 points, followed closely by Ravenna with 41, and Tau in third place with 39. The upcoming Romagna derby against Sammaurese promises to be a thrilling encounter, scheduled for next Sunday at the Benelli stadium.
Ravenna Sets Sights on Top Spot After Dominant Win: An Interview with Marco Delneri
It was a statement performance from Ravenna this past weekend, dismantling Lungobisenzio 3-0 and firmly planting themselves in the chase for top spot in Group D. Joining me today to analyze this impressive victory and dissect Ravenna’s ambitions is legendary Italian football manager, Marco Delneri.
Marco, welcome to the show.
Delneri: Thank you for having me.It was indeed a convincing performance from Ravenna,a team I’ve been following with interest this season.
Absolutely. Cebuano’s men looked unstoppable in the first half. Venturini’s header, followed by Manuzzi’s, really set the tone early on.
delneri: Precisely. They were clinical in thier finishing and controlled the tempo of the game from the outset. Lungobisenzio simply couldn’t cope with Ravenna’s intensity and movement.
And Guida’s strike early in the second half effectively killed off any hopes of a Lungobisenzio comeback.
Delneri: Guida’s performance was notably noteworthy. A hat-trick is always a special achievement, and his third goal showcased his composure and ruthlessness in front of goal.
This win brings Ravenna to within a single point of Forlì, who currently sit atop the table. Do you think Ravenna can go all the way and claim the Group D title?
Delneri: It’s certainly within their grasp. They have the quality and, crucially, the momentum. However, Forlì are a formidable opponent, experienced and well-organized. It’ll be a close battle to the finish line. The Romagna derby against sammaurese next Sunday will be a interesting barometer of Ravenna’s credentials.
Absolutely. A derby match always adds an extra layer of intensity. Do you anticipate any surprises in that encounter?
delneri: Sammaurese are a tricky opponent, capable of springing an upset. Ravenna will need to be wary of complacency and approach the match with the same determination they showed against Lungobisenzio.
What do you make of Ravenna’s chances in the lingering promotion race? Beyond Group D, how do they stack up against other contenders?
Delneri: It’s still early days, but Ravenna are definitely one of the teams to watch.They have a potent attacking force and a solid defence. If they maintain their current form and stay injury-free, they’ll definitely be in the mix for promotion.
We’ve seen some incredible football from Ravenna this season.What are your thoughts on their style of play? Do you think it’s enduring for a promotion push?
Delneri: Cebuano has implemented an attractive, attacking brand of football. They play with pace and movement, pressing high up the pitch and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Though, as the season progresses, they’ll need to find a balance between attack and defense, ensuring they remain solid at the back against tougher opposition.
Marco,thank you for your insightful analysis. As always, your expertise is invaluable.
Delneri: My pleasure. It’s been a fascinating season so far, and I’m eager to see how Ravenna fares in the remaining matches.
Readers, what are your thoughts on Ravenna’s chances? Do you think they have what it takes to secure promotion? Share your opinions in the comments below. Let’s discuss!